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Federal changes for ABAWD recipients of SNAP

Effective January 1, 2016 federal change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will limit the receipt of SNAP benefits to individuals who are determined to be an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents (ABAWD) to three (3) months in a 36 month period, unless the individual is participating at least 80 hours each month in qualifying work activities.

SNAP recipients who are also determined ABAWD are notified at their eligibility appointments, verbally and in writing. Recipients are each provided with an instructional letter which outlines directions for contacting the Suffolk Works Employment Program at (631) 853-6619 in order to obtain compliance assistance and a job search log so that compliance with ABAWD regulations can begin immediately.

An adult individual is exempt from ABAWD requirements if he/she meets one or more of the conditions listed below:

• A person under 18 years of age, or 50 years of age or older.

• An adult in a SNAP household with a child under 18 years of age.

• A caretaker of an incapacitated person.

• A pregnant woman.

• Physically or mentally unable to work 80 hours a month.

• Participating in a drug/alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program and deemed unable to work.